News
Continuing a Legacy: Oppenheimer's Enduring Echo at Pantex

At the heart of the nation's nuclear security enterprise, the Pantex Plant plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. This vital mission, rooted in the foundational science of the atomic age, surprisingly brings a direct connection to one of history's most recognizable scientific figures: J. Robert Oppenheimer, often called the “father of the atomic bomb.” While Oppenheimer himself never set foot at Pantex, his legacy and the profound impact of his work is still evident today.
This connection became clear when Dr. Dorothy (Oppenheimer) Vanderford, J. Robert Oppenheimer's granddaughter, recently visited the Pantex Alternate Emergency Operations Center. A contractor for the Department of Energy, Dr. Vanderford works within the National Security Enterprise and her presence not only brought a direct familial link to the architect of the atomic bomb but also highlighted the human story behind nuclear deterrence.
"There are different people in the family who feel a little more strongly against nuclear weapons, and I have not mentioned this before; that my father would take us on trips to protest nuclear testing,” she said. “And that is what’s so interesting about my grandfather; he wasn’t just a scientist. He was a fully-fledged human being. And it turns out we all are. And that’s what the movie did … brought a humanity to the science. Speaking for myself, nuclear weapons are not going away. It's better to embrace them and keep them maintained.”
Her first visit to Pantex focused on her work with the application of the Emergency Communications Network Program (ECNP) which ensures robust communication channels, while supporting the national security framework at government sites.
"Well, we’re here to perform a site survey…we want to find out what can we do for you? What do you need? What new capabilities are you looking for? So, really, it’s customer care. We have these mobile kits; a satellite network that’s always available, and we can go basically anywhere in the world. We’re continually expanding and looking at new technology.”
PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt adds another layer to the Oppenheimer history. After his arrival at Pantex, the media team at Los Alamos requested an on-camera interview, asking if he would recall some of his memories during his time there.
He recalled a very personal connection he made with Oppenheimer when Los Alamos began the process of digitizing historical files for the Smithsonian.
“When I first started there, I actually loved the classified library," Beierschmitt said. “You would put on white cloth gloves and get to hold Oppenheimer’s log book with all of his personal notes. He was monitoring both Hiroshima and Nagasaki drops and doing calculations almost in real time as they were getting information back. It was truly fascinating.”
Hearing this account about her grandfather’s connection to Pantex, Dr. Vanderford’s face lit up.
“I understand the feeling of being close to my grandfather’s handwritten objects. And I continually appreciate when people say they had sort of an emotional reaction to my grandfather’s artifacts because it brings that human element.”
While J. Robert Oppenheimer never walked the grounds of the Pantex Plant, his intellectual footprint undeniably shaped the world that necessitated its creation and continues to guide the site’s mission.
Through the dedicated work of individuals like Dr. Dorothy Vanderford, and the reverence for history shown by leaders like Kelly Beierschmitt, the human element at the core of national security, forged in scientific discovery, continues to evolve and thrive at Pantex.
Pantex Proud Tim Sanchez

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Tim Sanchez work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
Software Engineer Tim Sanchez hoped to fulfill a soon-to-be college graduate’s dream — secure a job before donning that cap and gown. He sent out résumés, one of which arrived at Pantex. Pantex called, but after one interview, he never heard back. So, Sanchez accepted a job elsewhere, working web and mobile development along the way. Two years later, the bomb plant rang again, this time with an offer.
Sanchez joined Engineering, serving as a software developer. Although he enjoyed the job, as time went on, he wanted to return to web and mobile development, but at Pantex. With a little patience and time, he found just the job to fulfill that budding interest.
“I maintain TheZone, various org sites, contacts, and the paging system within contacts,” Sanchez said. “I mainly work on the backend of our applications. That includes handling and managing our APIs, or data endpoints, and logic and server communication to our frontend. Essentially, I manage things that users don’t usually see.”
With some keyboard-and-mouse wizardry, Sanchez has helped produce many other amazing code-based products, one of those being a well-missed blast from the past.
“I’m proud to have been part of reviving the AdZone,” Sanchez said. “That was really cool to bring that back to Pantex. The database table already existed, we just had to build from there. Now, it’s used often, just a nice resource for Pantexans.”
Sanchez’s pride for his work doesn’t stop there, though.
“We are the only assembly and disassembly plant, and although we IT people don’t work directly with the weapons, we contribute,” Sanchez said. “I’m extremely proud to be a part of the mission.”
Call it timing, fortune, luck, or whatever the case, Sanchez remains thankful a job and his ideal position opened up at Pantex. He’s grateful to be an asset to, and invested in, something greater than himself. And along the way, he has discovered one of his favorite things about being a Pantexan.
“The people,” Sanchez said without hesitation. “I have met some of my closest friends here. Just a great place to make new, strong relationships. Plus, everyone is always willing to help, and that makes our mission a success.”
Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
Learning from SMEs and others helps us better grasp what we’re trying to do before we actually do it. It also helps us ensure we are providing correctly for the mission overall.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Pantex and your job may be overwhelming at times with all the approvals, abbreviations, and so on. It will take time to learn. You don’t have to understand everything the moment you get out here, so don’t panic. You were hired for a reason. Trust in that.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
Hanging out with my wife and kids. Doing crafts, playing outside, and more. It’s always fun to do stuff with them after work and on weekends. They keep me busy all the time.
Decorated Navy SEAL empowers Pantexans in leadership
To kick off Pantex’s “Speaker Series,” the introductory speaker was Andrew Paul, a leadership instructor from Echelon Front — the premier leadership consulting firm founded by decorated Navy SEALs. The speaker series is a new initiative designed to provide enriching engagement events that empower employees to learn, grow, and thrive in their professional careers.
Bringing the combat-tested principles of the bestselling books “Extreme Ownership” and “The Dichotomy of Leadership” to Pantexans, Paul challenged attendees to rethink their approach to everyday leadership and professional development.
Paul detailed the Four Core Leadership Principles to build high-performing teams necessary for any organization to succeed:
- Cover and Move (Teamwork): True collaboration requires breaking down silos.
- Simple: Simplicity is vital for execution.
- Prioritize and Execute: In high-pressure environments, multitasking and emotional reactions lead to failure.
- Decentralized Command: Everyone is a leader.
The speaker event was not just an opportunity for Pantexans to learn; it also left a lasting impression on Paul himself. He shared, "It was an honor to spend time with the team at Pantex. I was incredibly impressed by the professionalism, humility, and dedication of the people there. Every person I met was welcoming, engaged, and committed to excellence.”
While at Pantex, Paul participated in a tour and spoke to several Pantexans after each of his three speaker sessions.
“While most Americans will never fully see or understand the critical role Pantex plays in our nation's security, I left with an even deeper appreciation for the men and women who quietly carry that responsibility every day,” Paul said. “Their commitment to protecting our country, our freedoms, and our way of life is something all Americans can be proud of."
Pantex Proud: Dan Ferguson

Information Security Specialist Dan Ferguson
Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Dan Ferguson work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
They call him Dangerous Dan — but the only thing he poses a threat to is the release of sensitive information.
Information Security Specialist Dan Ferguson stands proud with 32 years of dedicated service to Pantex, where he embodies a profound commitment to national security and the well-being of his colleagues. His journey at Pantex began as a production technician, and from there he found an opportunity as an explosives operations leader. After some time, he took his expertise to Weapons Training where he spent over 20 years. About four years ago, he transitioned to Information Security.
In his current role, Ferguson is a crucial guardian of sensitive information. He conducts self-assessments to ensure Operations Security (OPSEC) requirements are met, and he reviews information releases and construction plans through an OPSEC lens. He contributes to the development of OPSEC News Briefs and diligently spot-checks waste streams, preventing any accidental leaks of sensitive unclassified information that could benefit adversaries.
“We are not building car engines here,” Ferguson said. “Our products keep our nation and our families safe and not everyone gets to be a part of it.”
Ferguson was a recipient of the Secretary's Achievement Award in 2011 for the B53 Weapon System Dismantlement. The B53 was a Cold War-era bomb that was retired in 1997. Even beyond his direct contributions, Ferguson believes Pantex's uniqueness lies in the attention to detail required of our workers and communication across multi-disciplined support organizations.
When asked what his favorite thing about working at Pantex is, Ferguson emphasized “Pantexans,” highlighting the strong “esprit de corps” that reflects pride in their work and the plant's vital mission.
“I am blessed to work with a great team and get to work with many of our Pantexans from gate to gate.”
How do you and your team contribute to mission success?
We provide the means to educate the workforce on established security requirements. We maintain a program of awareness and countermeasures to deny adversaries of the United States the opportunity to exploit the assets entrusted to us.
Why is being open to learn from others critical for mission success?
We cannot grow if we accept “that is the way we have always done it.” There are times when a fresh set of eyes or someone with a different skill set can provide a positive impact.
Why is teamwork important?
To accomplish a mission as a team, we need to encourage and applaud people when they’re successful. We need to also know our team members and recognize if they are struggling. The analogy of geese flying in a V formation is a great example. The goose at the front bears all the burden and the other geese call out to it with encouragement. When the lead goose gets fatigued, another one replaces it, and it falls in formation to recuperate. This helps the flock maintain a productive pace.
Why is it important we hold ourselves accountable in our daily tasks?
If you’re not doing the little things correctly, odds are you’re not doing some of the big things correctly either.
Celebrating 250 years at the heart of the nation's defense

As the nation comes together to celebrate 250 years of American independence, there is a quiet, enduring truth behind the parades and fireworks – America’s freedom must continue to be secured. At Pantex, providing for the common defense and securing the blessings of liberty is our daily mission.
“For the past two-and-a-half centuries, the United States has stood for liberty, democracy, and self-determination,” PanTeXas Deterrence President and General Manager Kelly Beierschmitt said. “The Pantex Plant is at the heart of our nation’s defense and stands for the same values.”
Celebrating America turning 250 is more than a historical date to Pantexans. This milestone is a direct reflection of the daily work that fulfills the site’s mission. Every component, every weapon, every safety measure contributes to the defense of the constitutional values that were signed in Philadelphia 250 years ago.
To honor this national milestone and recognize the connection to Pantex’s mission, a series of special, employee-focused events were held on July 2. The day included flag-raising ceremonies, food trucks, and the selling of exclusive Pantex America 250 merchandise.
The celebration reaffirms the commitment to the defense of a free nation, proving that the spirit from 1776 is still alive and well.
Beierschmitt concluded, “As America enters its next chapter, Pantex remains vital to preserving the nation’s peace and security.”
Our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
With those final words written into history, 56 men representing the 13 original American colonies gathered together in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Knowing what was at stake, they openly denounced the British crown and ratified the Declaration of Independence, signifying the birth of the United States of America and American Freedom.
Such a declaration wouldn’t come without cost.
Over the 250 years since that document was signed, scores of men and women, including many Pantexans, have taken up the call to military service by aligning themselves with the pledge made by those men more than two centuries before. But what inspired them to do so? Who better to provide those answers than some of Pantex’s former service members?
"It’s the people that make America what it is," Production Coordinator Devon Stayner said. "I’d like to think my military service played some small part in that."
"I felt like it was a duty I had to give what I could for the defense of the American way of life," Skilled Manufacturing Supervisor Chris Oglesby said.
For Production Technician Marshall Court, enlisting in the Navy was what made him who he is.
"After 9/11, serving felt different, like we were doing something that was bigger and more important than we could have imagined," Court said. "I know the military isn’t the route for everyone, but I do believe it was the best decision I could have made for myself."
As veterans, finding the same purpose in civilian life isn’t always easy, but as they found their way to Pantex, they each discovered a new way to serve.
"It is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
When the colonists vehemently declared their freedom from British rule, they knew precisely what they meant by providing new guards. But before the evolution of the technology available to us now, they couldn’t have known what it would mean for us today.
"The work we do is vital because it establishes a reliable deterrent," Production Technician Apollo Castillo said. "While the ultimate hope is to never have to deploy these capabilities, maintaining our readiness is essential for national defense."
Skilled Manufacturing Supervisor John Morgan agreed.
"My service contribution is a small piece of a larger mission to ensure our nation has a credible nuclear deterrent," Morgan said.
As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, it’s easy to get complacent. Returning to the tenets of what our service men and women fought for is key in remembering what we have.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
What does "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" truly mean? The answer will probably vary depending on who you ask, but the undeniable truth is that it is something worth fighting for.
"Regardless of what you look like or where you come from, everyone has the opportunity to live the life they want, love whom they choose, and do what makes them happy without being oppressed by a tyrannical government," Morgan said. "With the caveat of as long as it doesn’t deprive others from those same qualities of life."
"It makes you proud to be in a place that is made up of all these different places and people and cultures that have ended up here that have helped shape these rights and liberties that we don't often think about, and that we take for granted," Court said.
"Sometimes it feels like I didn’t do enough. It’s hard to explain," Stayner said. "But I feel that patriotism of being proud to serve."
"I think that it is important to feel a sense of pride and want to stand up and do something," Castillo said. "We’ve only made it this far because of that - people willing to stand up and do something."
A quarter millennia of proud Americans have fought for the rights laid out in the Declaration of Independence. While it hasn’t always been perfect, Americans continue to enjoy the freedoms gained centuries ago thanks in part to brave men and women who chose to serve and for those that find a different way to serve here at Pantex.
"In the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."
So, whether it be pride, freedom, or a sense of duty to fight for something greater, we celebrate America’s 250th birthday and remember all of those who came before and continue to serve today, both overseas and here at home.
"It will never be forgotten how much Pantex feels like a family and rallies together when times are tough," Oglesby said. "Whether it’s a fire, a deployment, or an unexpected life event, Pantexans are special people. It’s an honor to celebrate 250 years of America together and I look forward to many more."
Pantex Proud: Alex Guglielmetti

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Alex Guglielmetti work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
Information Technology (IT) Advisor Alex Guglielmetti asked if we could conduct the interview somewhere more relaxed than his hotel workspace, so we set off across the JCDC. In our short walk, several Pantexans greeted him by name. We briefly chatted with one of them, a promise to reconnect later pausing the exchange.
Shortly after the interview started, another Pantexan stopped to say hello to Guglielmetti. He introduced us and then they engaged in conversation — Guglielmetti encouraging his colleague to join him at a Lone Star Pantexan Social dinner as well as an upcoming IT-related conference.
Later, in continuing the interview, I asked Guglielmetti what he enjoys most about working at Pantex.
“The people,” he said swiftly. “Can’t you tell?”
It was more statement than question.
Before transitioning into IT, Guglielmetti held a marketing and commercial leadership role at a media conglomerate, building a relationship-driven skill set he still uses today. Eventually, that industry’s tech side appealed to him, so he pursued degrees in software engineering and cybersecurity. By then, though, Guglielmetti wanted away from the media business and into something more fulfilling.
“The mission-driven nature of Pantex interested me,” Guglielmetti said. “Now that I’m here, I’ve enjoyed this great work atmosphere. Pantexans are very respectful and compelled to solve problems and tackle challenges together. People and the mission go hand-in-hand.”
As IT Advisor, Guglielmetti provides project support such as strategizing processes and implementation, and coordinating relationships among parties involved. However, he remains a natural connector, focused on building relationships and helping stakeholders understand how technology enables mission success.
“I enjoy communicating with my team and our customers,” Guglielmetti said. “I do so in layers using different avenues and methods to share wins, explain important points, and answer questions. In other words, I love helping anyone connect the dots.”
Guglielmetti has a passion for people. So much so he created the Lone Star Pantexan Social, a way for any and all Pantexans to connect outside of work while enjoying local cuisine. His enthusiasm has also provided a unique perspective on pride in the workplace.
“Take our three flags out front of the JCDC and what they represent. Despite the elements, they continue to stand strong. The meaning behind them never wavers, even when ragged, whipping in the Texas Panhandle wind. Same with Pantexans. We push through challenges to achieve mission success. By combining our tech and knowledge, along with our unique Lone Star Pantex style, we get the job done in our own unmatched way. I’m proud to be part of this community.”
Why is communication important for your team to succeed?
We don’t live in a vacuum. Communication is one of the most important aspects of our day-to-day and mission success. Also, understanding communication avenues that exist and associated benefits and challenges of each is paramount.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
When a door of opportunity opens, you don’t always have to accept. Ask yourself questions, like if it will benefit your growth or your plans for your future. Just make sure it’s the right fit for you.
What’s your favorite outside-of-work activity and why?
I’m an ultrarunner who recently attempted a 300-mile race through the Arizona desert. Around Amarillo, many know me as the guy always running somewhere, so if you see me on the roads or in Palo Duro Canyon, say hello. I’ll likely wave back mid-stride.
Pantex Proud: Allen Hassler

Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Allen Hassler work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
When Electronics Technician Allen Hassler says he works on radios, he’s not talking about your run-of-the-mill walkie talkies or something you would listen to music on; he’s talking about two-way radios that help protect the nation.
“I am responsible for the lifecycle management and operational readiness of approximately 2,700 radios supporting Pantex site operations,” Hassler said. “My duties include installing, programming, providing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing two-way radio and wireless communication systems in both mobile platforms and fixed infrastructure across the plant. Our role is to maintain communications integrity, minimize downtime, and support the broader national security mission without interruption.”
As a curious and analytical child, Hassler grew to be an even more curious and analytical adult. While riding the bus as a child, he occupied his time by taking apart and fixing things. This leaned heavily into adulthood and his career as a signal support systems specialist in the U.S. Army where he protected his fellow soldiers from things like IEDs or radio explosives through his maintenance of communications channels. When he returned home after 14 years of service, he worked a few jobs that he liked, but didn’t quite fill his need to be a part of something bigger.
“I’ve spent nearly my entire professional life in the defense industry, and I’ve seen firsthand — both domestically and internationally — just how critical this mission really is,” Hassler said. “The work done at Pantex isn’t abstract to me; I understand its impact and importance. Pantex has given me the opportunity to continue serving in a mission I believe in, while also growing professionally in a field I know well. Being part of something that significant gives me a real sense of purpose and pride.”
Not only does Hassler believe in the Pantex mission, but he also believes in the people that he works side-by-side with. He believes they are highly capable and the way they work together is why they are so successful.
“Teamwork is important because no single person carries the mission alone. In a high-consequence environment, gaps between people become risks. Strong teamwork closes those gaps. At the end of the day, teamwork isn’t about being agreeable — it’s about being accountable to one another so the mission succeeds safely and consistently. You need a unique personality to thrive in this role. We are all very like-minded and have unique eccentricities and we complement each other’s flaws. I don’t want a perfect team; I want a team that knows how to work together.”
How do you and your team contribute to mission success?
In simple terms, “No comms, no bombs.” Reliable communication is foundational to everything we do. My team ensures that the systems supporting operations across the plant and nation are secure, operational, and ready at all times. Without dependable communications, coordination slows, risks increase, and mission execution suffers.
What do you think makes Pantex so special?
Pantex sits at the intersection of national security, technical precision, and absolute accountability. The work done here directly supports the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. There’s no room for shortcuts, ego, or complacency. Standards are high because they have to be. We work in a place where precision isn’t optional, teamwork isn’t a buzzword, and the mission isn’t theoretical. That combination is rare.
What is the best advice you have received from a fellow Pantexan?
Don’t tackle the problem alone if you don’t have to. There is always someone willing to step in and help out.
Offense inside the fence

Seen or not, technology connects us, integrated in what we do and how we do it. Hardware and software inarguably help us collaboratively make the mission a success. Much like plumbing pipes crisscrossing underneath the earth or power lines scratching across the sky, these crucial systems and programs require a specialized boots-on-the-ground, out-in-the-field maintenance team. Within the Pantex fence line, we have just that — our very own dedicated IT crew focused on keeping end users technologically alive and kicking. This is Plant-Side Field Support.
“We provide direct support for end users inside the plant,” Field Technician Adam Landeros said. “We install hardware and software, and we troubleshoot
issues they experience. My team’s job is to make certain our customers can do theirs.”
Given their location and customer base, the team must be mindful of the area they are working in and the equipment they are working on, which challenges standard IT operations.
“We encounter a diverse range of systems, from cutting-edge technology to specialized legacy equipment, demanding a broad and continuously updated skillset,” Field Technician Keith Hernandez said. “The critical nature of these systems means that any downtime has significant implications, placing high pressure on rapid and accurate problem resolution.”
And to fix those issues, the team’s service-with-a-smile doesn’t always follow a nine-to-five workday.
“We do have customers that work swing shift, so if an issue arises, we will schedule time to help them during their hours,” Plant Field Operations Supervisor Matt Reyna said. “Also, we hold non-traditional hours when working major projects like RSA token rollout or government-furnished phone deployment.”
As tech evolves, the field technicians must remain ahead of today’s industry changes.
“We consistently engage in formal training and pursue industry certifications, often tailored to the specialized technologies and stringent security
requirements of our environment,” Hernandez said. “Additionally, we employ vendor resources and engage in collaboration with other Pantex teams across the site to gain a holistic understanding of how technology impacts our critical mission.”
Considered a public face of the IT Service Management organization, Plant-Side Field Support creates and maintains strong relationships with end users. This customer service core is crucial in keeping us all connected in more ways than one.
“Every member of my team genuinely cares about our end users. My team strives to make a customer’s life easier by ensuring their computing experience is as seamless and efficient as possible,” Reyna said. “I’m incredibly fortunate to lead an exceptional group of individuals. They are truly an all-star team.”
Nuclear Family: Bräck

From left: Landon, Kyle and Connor Bräck pose for a family photo. Photo by Adam Baker.
Sunday, September 12, 2010, was a day for the history books in the Bräck family... the end of an era. That’s the day Kyle Bräck could no longer beat his sons Connor and Landon in basketball due to an ACL injury. Although he may not win any more on the court, Kyle says he won in life because he gets to work with his sons at Pantex.
“This is such an oddity in this day and age to be able to work together; it’s so rare,” Kyle said. “It hearkens to the old years of farming families, being able to work together, that hardly ever exists anymore. We have the strong realization this is a privilege.”
Landon is a system-requirements engineer and Connor is a software automation and engineering management analyst. Kyle has been employed at Pantex two separate times but is currently an adviser in Emergency Services. One of the Bräcks’ favorite things to do revolves around, you guessed it, basketball. They often travel to watch Texas Tech University, their alma mater. A 2019 trip to watch Tech play Duke in New York marked the start of Landon’s Pantex career. That weekend, he got the call to intern at Pantex while at a hotel in Manhattan.
“I did my Pantex interview in the hotel room and was told I got the engineering intern position,” Landon said. “Then, we went out to Madison Square Garden to celebrate during Christmastime in New York.”
Connor was the last to join the family as a Pantexan in 2024 and was grateful to have his brother and dad around to help.
“Everyone knows it’s daunting or can be scary when you join here because of all of the new things you learn,” Connor said. “My first week I was full-time teleworking and couldn’t log in to the VPN. Luckily, my brother was right down the hall and helped guide me through it.”
Kyle and Connor recently worked on the mass-notification system update to Everbridge, among other Digital Transformation-related projects.
“I was on a meeting with other people but my dad was on there, and when it came my turn to talk, I wasn’t quite sure what to say, and I wasn’t going to call him his government name or Mr. Father, so I just called him dad. In the beginning I was timid, but he’s my dad.”
Adviser, coach, and mentor are a few of the other titles Kyle holds at the plant. His proudest title, however, is father.
“Our dad coached us in everything,” Connor said. “He came to all our events. He would choose to do that over anything else every time. He used to come to lunch at school to play basketball with all the kids. Coached all our buddies. He was and is a very present dad.”
Coaching didn’t stop at athletics. Kyle says he catches himself counseling his sons while at work.
“Now it’s not school or sports but life,” Kyle said. “I do still mentor them on how to carry themselves in a meeting, how to position themselves or helping give career advice at Pantex.”
Part of the Bräck family legacy at Pantex revolves around the basketball league. When Kyle was at Pantex the first time, he played. Connor currently plays and Landon is the league president.
“Back then, Pantex Basketball won the city league,” Kyle said. “Before we took pictures, I saw the broom closet open, ran and got a broom, because it was a clean sweep.”
Landon and Connor haven’t won any clean sweeps but insist that is because the league is tougher now than back when their dad was playing. Just like the league, many things may have changed over the years... and that’s not always a bad thing.
“He used to drop us off at preschool,” Landon said. “And when I was hired on at Pantex, I started dropping him off at work. Our lives did a 360 and we’re grateful for it. Our dad is the perfect example of a Pantexan who takes pride in what he does and works to share his knowledge with others around him and we get to be here to watch him do that.”